Olivier Becht, the French Minister for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness, has expressed the French Government’s interest in strengthening trade relations with Nigeria, particularly in the field of agricultural exports.
Speaking on Friday during the launch of the Food for Nations digital trade platform by JR Farms, Becht highlighted the platform’s role in facilitating access to the French market and the broader European market for players in the agribusiness value chain.
Becht, in his welcome address, emphasized the significance of the platform, expressing confidence that it would significantly enhance trade relations between Nigeria and France in the agribusiness sector. He underscored the importance of the agri-food industry as a avenue for cooperation between the two nations, citing France’s culinary heritage and technical expertise.
CEO of JR Farms, Olawale Rotimi, described the event as a celebration of partnerships fostering growth. He announced that JR Farms had entered into agreements with two French companies to provide training on best agribusiness practices for selected cohorts.
Rotimi expressed optimism that the Food for Nations platform would connect Nigeria to the European market and revealed ongoing discussions with Air France to launch the first food cargo in Nigeria.
Rotimi further highlighted collaborative efforts, stating that JR Farms, registered in France, is in the process of acquiring farmland in collaboration with the Africa office. He emphasized the potential for West Africa to export commodities to France, drawing parallels with France’s existing grain exports to North Africa.
He said, “We want to collaborate with Nigeria, Africa. Already, we have these collaborations happening. Where we are seated here today is a product of collaboration. We want more of these collaborations and economic ties between Nigeria and France.
“With the registration of JR Farms in France, we are also planning together with the Africa office to acquire some farmlands in France. We are in that process at the moment. France is already exporting a lot of grain to North Africa, why not West Africa? We are also looking at commodities here that we can move to France.”
Ada Peter
